Evicted Coopers Pen residents offered lands

More than 100 residential lots are expected to be made available in the Hague and Clifton area of Trelawny as the Government moves ahead with plans to relocate residents of Coopers Pen before a court-ordered deadline of November 30.

The announcement was made yesterday by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Robert Montague.

The minister, who was on a tour of government-owned lands in the area, was accompanied by State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern Tova Hamilton and Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager.

Montague said the Hague and Clifton property forms part of a broader integrated housing development planned for government-owned lands. Under the proposal, the Housing Agency of Jamaica will undertake residential development on part of the property, with housing units to be sold on the open market at commercial rates, while other sections will be set aside for relocated Coopers Pen residents.

He said the approach is intended to lower infrastructure development costs, reduce the burden on taxpayers, and address the housing and land needs of affected residents.

Meanwhile, Hamilton said residents have been presented with two relocation options following consultations with the relevant government agencies. Residents may either accept a relocation grant to secure accommodation elsewhere or receive a residential lot in the Hague and Clifton area along with a partial relocation grant.

“The last meeting we had, we [outlined] the solutions to the community members, and they are now to indicate what solution they prefer,” Hamilton said.

She noted that officials are hoping to determine residents’ preferred options by the end of the week. Persons choosing the Hague and Clifton option will then be allowed to select their lots.

Mayor Gager welcomed the proposed development and pledged the support of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. He also encouraged residents to cooperate with the relocation process, noting that, while leaving their community may be difficult, the development presents an opportunity for resettlement.